An interventional study of Neuromodulation with low-intensity focused ultrasound in Pain, sponsored by Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Recruiting at 1 site in United States. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 65 Years, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-06-08.
Sponsored by Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Basic science
Study of LIFU on fMRI pain signals. Participants receive low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) and fMRI scans to measure changes in both resting and heat pain signals. Physiology may also be measured. Questionnaires and symptom monitoring will take place. The study takes place over 4 study visits.
Study aims to examine the effects of noninvasive brain stimulation on brain signals. This insight may have potential clinical implications for addiction, pain, and mental health populations. Participants will receive MRI and CT imaging. Participants receive low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) to temporarily change brain activity. Participants then receive fMRI scans to measure changes in both resting and heat evoked brain signaling using a quantitative sensory testing device. Heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and skin moisture is monitored. Participants complete a battery of questionnaires, both behavioral and symptom monitoring. The study takes place over 4 study visits.
2,219 studies on the registry are indexed under Pain; 917 are open to participants now.
This study's planned enrollment of 80 is above the median of 70 across 1,904 interventional studies indexed under Pain.
Browse Pain studies →Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is the lead sponsor of 124 studies on the registry; 27 are open to participants now.
Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.
Exclusion Criteria:
Claustrophobia (scanning environment may be uncomfortable). Contraindications to MRI: including pacemaker, aneurysm clips, neurostimulators, cochlear implants, metal in eyes, steel worker, or other implants.
Contraindications to CT: pregnancy Active medical disorder or treatment with potential CNS effects (e.g. Alzheimer's) History of neurologic disorder. (e.g. Parkinson's, Epilepsy, or Essential Tremor) History of head injury resulting in loss of consciousness for >10 minutes. History of alcohol or drug dependence (through self-report).
fMRI resting and heat evoked signals performed after LIFU application to known brain region of interest or active sham region (within participant all conditions tested).
Other: Neuromodulation with low-intensity focused ultrasound
Application of LIFU to induce temporary neuromodulation, effects tested with resting state and heat evoked (QST) fMRI signals
fMRI BOLD Signals
Changes in fMRI BOLD signal
Time frame: Participant study duration, approximately 3 weeks.
Changes in self-reported perceived pain
Change in subject perceived pain rating report on a numerical rating scale (0-10, 0 no pain, 10 worst pain)
Time frame: Participant study duration, approximately 3 weeks.
Monitoring changes to physiological measures
Monitoring for any changes to heartrate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, or galvanic skin response.
Time frame: Participant study duration, approximately 3 weeks.
Plan to share: No
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Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University